Metropole Cinema
160 Victoria Street,
Victoria,
London,
SW1E 5LB
160 Victoria Street,
Victoria,
London,
SW1E 5LB
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Details and photographs of the Wultitzer organ:
http://www.ukwurlitzer.co.cc/2013.html
Thanks Guys for al the info.
Façade during conversion to a restaurant, auditorium had gone by this point:–
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/5028623247/
more pix
View link
seen here in 2000
http://www.flickr.com/photos/woody1969/70182097/
The epic film “The Sand Pebbles” enjoyed a ‘Royal Premiere’ at the Metropole on April 5, 1967.
For more details on the premiere go to:
View link
Many thanks Ken.
Currently known as ASK Pizza Restaurant (using the former foyer space).
Does anyone know the name of the restaurant on the remains of the site of the Metropole?
I remember seeing Lawrence Of Arabia here on a giant 70mm projection screen in the ‘60s. I am sure the management turned up the heating to enhance the effect of the movie because there was a big rush for ice cream during the intermission. The cinema though seemed rather old and uncared for, which may have suited the period setting of the movie, bit did not auger well for its future. Comfortable as many old movie old palaces were in a decaying sort of way. Part of a lost era I suppose.
Noel Coward’s “Brief Encounter” starring Trevor Howard and Celia Johnson. Directed by David Lean (GB) 1945
A short sequence in this movie was filmed in the auditorium of the Metropole Cinema in May 1945. The couple are sitting in the front circle and are watching a trailer to a movie “Flames of Passion” (not a real movie). The organist (played by Irene Handle) is seen on the Wurlitzer organ at the intermission and there is glimpse of the lower part of the proscenium arch. No exterior shots of the Metropole are in the film, although some may have been filmed that went to the cutting room floor.
Although the auditorium has now been demolished there is still some of the original splendour of the 2 story high lobby to be seen in the restaurant that uses this space.
The address for the Metropole Cinema was 160 Victoria Street.
According to some info from this website. http://home.clara.net/gw0hqd/brief/
The interior was used to film a sequence from the classic british film ‘ Brief Encounter’ .
The facade as pictured and ‘dressing rooms’ area at the rear of the cinema remain standing and can be clearly seen from the street. It would be interesting to discover if any other part of the cinema has been left intact.